In this digital age, we take for granted that we have a hundred zillion photos of our children (maybe a one or two less of us actually with our children). Not so the case with every mother everywhere in the world.
Having just returned from a trip to Ethiopia with ONE, it didn’t take long to realize the powerful tools we hold in our hands every day: our own smartphones and digital cameras. Snap a photo of a reluctant subject…then reverse the device and hand it over. It instantly opened doors of trust, connectivity and communication that we might not have otherwise had.
It was nothing short of remarkable.
Here, just a few of my favorite shots of the power of technology in action through digital photography, in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
And then perhaps my favorite series of all – watch the transformation.
It was nothing short of a privilege.
[ONE moms in the images: Alice Currah, Christine Koh, Kelly Wickham, Asha Dornfest]
I’ve just returned from Ethiopia on behalf of ONE, a non-profit advocacy organization that never asks for your money–only your voices. I’d urge you to sign up for alerts and join the ONE moms campaign.
What a powerful story. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as a camera, which we all take for granted, can break down the barriers of language and culture. Thanks for sharing. And great photos!
I have loved following your trip and you are absolutely right about the kids and pictures. I’ve gone on trips to Vietnam and the Peruvian Amazon and not only did we take pictures but we also took a battery powered photo printer to print them. We glued them on paper plates and let the kids decorate the “frames” with stickers. It was an AMAZING gift to be able to leave these with the kids and their families. As we walked through the Amazon villages after our visits to the schools the pictures were already hanging in a place of honor in the family huts. Such a special gift. We are heading to Congo next year and plan to take our photo booth with us!
Thank you so much Melissa, for your support. I love your story! What a beautiful gift you left them with. -Liz